The twin cities of Valka and Valga are preparing to host one of the most vibrant youth cultural events of the year. On June 6, the XXVI Folk Dance Festival “Latvju bērni danci veda” (Latvian Children Led the Dance) will bring together approximately 3,000 young dancers from 94 different groups across Latvia. This massive gathering transforms the border region into a stage for traditional choreography, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Baltic folk tradition through the energy of its youngest practitioners.
This festival is a significant milestone in the national cultural calendar, designed to involve children and youth in the broader Song and Dance Festival process. By strengthening the sustainability of these traditions, the event promotes cultural understanding and self-expression through the art of staged folk dance. For the residents of the twin cities and visiting spectators, it offers a rare chance to see the international border between Latvia and Estonia blurred by a shared love for heritage.
Essential Festival Schedule and Parade Route
The festival activities are concentrated on June 6, beginning early in the morning and culminating in a grand evening performance. Visitors should note that the parade is the primary highlight for those wishing to see all 3,000 participants in their traditional costumes.
- 09:30: Participants begin gathering for the festive parade.
- 10:30: The Festive Parade commences. The route follows Beverīnas Street, Em. Dārziņa Street, Rīgas Street, and Raiņa Street, ending at the Valga-Valka Twin Cities Center Square.
- 11:30: Official Opening Ceremony at the Twin Cities Center Square.
- 12:00 – 16:00: Street concerts and rehearsals for the main event.
- 17:00: The Grand Concert at the Valka Open-air Stage.
- 19:00: Participant party featuring the youth group “Pusnakts Brigāde.”
Where to Watch: Street Concerts in Valka and Valga
Between the morning parade and the evening finale, the festival breaks out into three distinct “Street Concert” locations. These performances are free to the public and provide an intimate look at the various dance styles from different Latvian regions. The locations are strategically placed across both sides of the border:
| Location | Address | City/Country |
|---|---|---|
| Square I | Twin Cities Center (Raiņa iela 2B) | Valka, Latvia |
| Square II | Valga Central Square (Kesk iela 17) | Valga, Estonia |
| Square III | Valka Municipality Culture Center (Em. Dārziņa iela 8) | Valka, Latvia |
These street concerts allow spectators to move between venues and experience the atmosphere of the twin cities while enjoying continuous performances from noon until 4:00 PM.
Attending the Grand Finale at the Open-Air Stage
The festival reaches its peak at 17:00 with the Grand Concert held at the Valka Open-air Stage (Valkas brīvdabas estrāde), located at Rūjienas iela 1. This performance brings all 94 collectives together for a massive display of synchronized folk dancing, representing the culmination of months of rehearsal for the young participants.
Ticketing and Access:
* General Admission: €5.00
* Free Entry: Children under 18 years of age and seniors can attend the Grand Concert free of charge.
* Venue: Valka Open-air Stage (Rūjienas iela 1, Valka).
For those attending, it is recommended to arrive at the open-air stage early, as the influx of 3,000 performers and their families makes for a busy environment. The event is organized by the National Centre for Education in cooperation with the Valka Municipality, ensuring that the infrastructure of both Valka and Valga is fully utilized to support this large-scale cultural exchange.
Source: Valkas novada pašvaldība
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